As Puri town is very ancient, so are its 'sahis' i.e. streets. Each sahi has
its own presiding deity. These
sahis once safeguarded the temple of Lord Jagannath from attack. Traditional weapons are
taken out to the street in a grand procession in Sahi Jatra. Wrestlers get a chance to display their strength and skill and local youth enact the roles in elaborate costumes, enact the roles. This grand
procession on the main street has music powered by musicians playing drums, trumpets, cymbals, conch shells and other instruments.

Usually performed during the first month of spring, Sahi Jatra is also seen during festivals and celebrations. It commences on Ram Navami and continues for a fortnight.
In Puri, each street enacts a different episode from the Ramayana, and
the story
moves from one street to another. The story starts with the birth of
Lord Rama, his fight with demons, Laxman chopping off Supranakha's nose, Rama and Laxman after the golden
deer, Ravana forcibly taking away Sita, Hanuman burning Lanka, the war between Rama and Ravana and Rama’s
coronation. Mythical tales, folk-tales and folk-songs are also enacted.

During the Sahi Jatra performance, anyone from the audience can join in spontaneously.

I recently got to be a part of a Sahi Jatra at Bhubaneswar. The moment I saw the Sahi Jatra on the road stretch near Ram Mandir, I joined in and walked with the procession.

The carnival-like atmosphere was lovely!
It was great to witness and participate in a live cultural show on the busy road!
Looking forward to the next Sahi Jatra.

Have you experienced such a procession in any city? Do share in the comments below.